Thanks again to all who are reading/reviewing/favouriting etc – much appreciated as always.

Once again thanks to grainweevil who so ably and nobly transcribed all of series 3 – she really deserves a medal.

Bad Boys

"Guten tag, gents." There was a pause as Litton noticed Alex and then looked her up and down. "Lady," he added belatedly.

"Sorry, you are?" Alex glanced at Gene and then back to the rather forward stranger in front of her, who had moved into the office along his companions.

Litton quickly moved forward and smoothly took possession of Alex's hand, bringing it to his lips even as his eyes did a random but thorough inventory of Alex's body. "Surprised he didn't tell you all about me. DCI Derek Litton, Manchester Regional Crime Squad at your service. And if you could see your way clear to fetching me a nice cuppa I'd be much obliged love."

Alex was torn between ripping him a new one and bursting into laughter. Instead she settled for retrieving her hand from Litton's clammy grasp and was just about to open her mouth when Gene finally stepped in.

"You know I thought I smelled a rat. Turns out I was right."

"Charmed as always Geno." He turned towards Alex. "Tea, three sugars darlin'."

Gene hastily covered up an incipient smirk and stepped in before Alex could react. "This," he said gesturing towards Alex, "is my esteemed lady colleague, Detective Inspector Alexandra Drake."

Litton looked Alex up and down again. "Well she's prettier than Sam Tyler I'll give you that - as well as having a great pair of t…."

"I beg your pardon!" Alex fumed indignantly.

"She's got balls an' all Litton, so you'd better watch yourself..."

"I'm sure I can hold my own with the fairer sex," Litton said with a smirk.

"Well no one else would hold it," Alex retorted acidly.

"Touché. But mind you keep that mouth in check Inspector. Geno here might be a soft touch with the ladies, but I think you'll find I'm a harder nut to crack." He strode around the office taking in his surroundings and spotting Chris and then Ray, who had just returned to CID to find the past staring him in the face. "Tut, tut. What a sorry bunch you've landed yourself with – a couple of hormonal females and the usual idiots."

"I take you've met DI Keats then?" Gene said smoothly.

Keats stumbled forward to shake Litton's hand. "DI Keats, on secondment from D&C at Scotland Yard. I've heard a lot about you sir – I can assure you of my full cooperation during your ongoing investigation down here."

"What investigation?"

"This is not just a social call Hunt. Tony Valentino – you heard of him?"

"I remember him," Ray said, "Sinatra impersonator, quite a good voice I seem to remember."

Litton nodded. "Used to do the Manchester club circuit. Bit of a draw. Then it all went tits up a few years back, quit the day job, took up the Scotch and Tizers. But last week Tony Valentino went and became 'Scumbag Numero Uno'."

"Why's that? He put a dent in yer Mini Metro?" Gene asked innocently.

"Last Friday. Police Widows celebrity fund raiser at the country club. This parasite swans into the club house, nicks two grand from the pot and scarpers down to your patch."

"He stole from widows?" Chris asked. "But that's…."

"Unforgivable," Gene finished for him. "Still doesn't explain what you want from us."

"Your Super has extended the hand of friendship and brotherly cooperation Gene. Anything I need, I can have." Litton's eyes flickered briefly towards Alex.

Gene moved forward, subtly blocking Litton's view of Alex. "Anything you want, you come through me first. Get it?"

"Do I detect a whiff of homo-erotic tension?" Alex ventured. "How exciting."

"Paco Rabanne, actually." Litton said with a sneer.

"Whatever."

Keats stepped forward. "Well no matter what you need sir, I'm sure you can count on the full cooperation of DCI Hunt and his team. This would certainly go a long way to restoring the reputation of this department – nothing like a bit of inter-force investigative cooperation. In fact I'll just go and start oiling the wheels of diplomacy for you."

"Why thank you lad. Nice to see some forward thinking policing going on around here. I'll catch up with you later." He watched as Keats left and then turned back to Gene.

"Tosspot. My oh my Geno, you don't half attract some weirdoes."

"I'm not taking the blame for Keats – he just turned up and then hung around like a bad smell."

"Point is, now he's gone I can tell you what's really going down."

"Here we go. What exactly are you up to Litton?"

"You know as well as I do Gene, that if we nail Valentino for a measly two grand, some soft-arsed judge is going to slap his wrist and say 'don't do it again'. It's not right."

"So you're gonna fit him up for something worse?" Gene asked.

"Something more deserving for someone who steals from police widows, yes."

"You can't do that," Alex interrupted.

"Sends out a clear message love. Don't mess with us or ours or you'll get an arse kicking the likes of which you'll never see again. So why not?"

"Because it's against the law actually. You do remember the law I take it? The thing we're paid to uphold?"

"Back in my day love, we'd fit up three useless tossers like Valentino before breakfast."

"Well maybe it's not your day any more…Sir."

"Where do you get them from Gene? Why don't you go and file your nails sweetheart. Oh and Gene?"

"What?"

"Valentino is my collar. Capiche?"

"Whatever you're doing here Litton, do it fast and keep out of my way. Capiche?"

"So disappointing Geno. The very least I expected was a race – like the good old days. First one to find Valentino gets a Party Seven?" He looked towards Alex. "Or in your case a bottle of Babycham."

"Make it a case of Bollinger and you're on," Alex replied.

"Expensive tastes. I like that in a woman."

"Yeah, well don't like it too much Litton. She's way out of your league."

"And yours Geno. Right team, let us away. See what facilities that pencil-neck has found for us."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So do you buy any of that crap Litton was throwing around earlier?"

Gene sighed heavily. "I thought we'd come out tonight to forget about work?" He glanced around the intimate restaurant that Viv had recommended to him. A good choice too. The food had been delicious, the atmosphere secluded and romantic and the price just the right side of eye-watering. Alex however was still wound up like a coiled spring, her encounter with Litton still rankling.

"I'm sorry. You're right of course." She sipped at her brandy as she crossed her legs underneath the table, rubbing one stocking-clad foot along Gene's calf. "He just wound me up something rotten. My God! I used to think you were Neanderthal."

"Thanks a bunch."

"What I mean is that compared to Litton and his bunch of thugs, you're a positive paragon."

"Thanks again. I think. Don't underestimate him though. He can be a devious bastard so watch your step." He leaned forward and took possession of Alex's hand. "Although if you want to give me an excuse to beat him to a bloody pulp then feel free."

"Very sweet I'm sure, but you don't have to protect me from Litton. I can handle him."

"That's what I'm worried about. Don't want you getting locked up for manslaughter." He smiled and then took a slug of his whisky. "Seriously Alex, he's a tricky bastard – and he's your superior officer when it boils down to it. Go too far and he'll have you up for insubordination or some such crap."

"And given my recent track record, I suppose that wouldn't play too well with Superintendent Michaels."

"Exactly. So let me deal with him." He held up his hand to halt her protest. "That's not me being sexist Alex, it's me being practical. I can bring him down a peg or too if need be. You can't. Way of the world love."

"I suppose you're right."

"I am. And going back to your original question, no I don't buy it. I think it stinks like one of Ray's farts."

Alex couldn't resist smiling. "You've really got a thing about Ray's farts haven't you?"

"So would you if you'd had to spend as many nights as I have on surveillance with him."

"I'll have to take your word for it. And what about Litton?"

"We play along with his little game for now. I've got Shaz digging up background on Valentino so we'll see what comes of that."

Alex squeezed his hand. "You're not really going to let Litton frame him are you?"

"You need to ask?" he said quietly.

"Not really."

"Good. Stopping Litton has been one of life's little pleasures Bolly. No reason to stop now."

"And in the meantime?"

He gestured at the waiter for the bill. "And it the meantime you'd better take me home and make up for all this shop talk you've subjected me to."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Safely back at Alex's flat and sitting comfortably on the sofa, Gene closed his eyes and idly wondered if he'd suddenly been transported to heaven. He had a glass of malt whisky in one hand, Alex sat comfortably in his lap and the lights were low and seductive. Even the music contributed to the overall feeling that he and Alex were wrapped up in their own little world where no one could disturb them. Which frankly, after the day he'd had today, was no more than he deserved. He felt Alex shift position slightly as she reached for her glass of wine, but then return to where she had been moments before, one hand resting on his chest, her head tucked against his neck, her breath warm against his skin.

"This is nice."

Alex smiled against his skin. "Mozart. 'Soave sia il vento.'"

He slowly opened his eyes. "Not the music. This. Me and you. Alone."

She kissed the side of his head in understanding. "More than nice – it's positively heavenly."

Gene smiled and placed his hand over hers. Once again she had managed to put into words exactly what he was feeling. His own witchy woman.

"What they burbling on about anyway? I mean it sounds okay but I haven't got the foggiest idea what they're on about."

Alex sighed and took another sip of wine. "It's quite a sad song really. Two young ladies are waving their lovers goodbye, not knowing if they'll ever meet again but wishing them Godspeed. Her fingers trailed over his chest as she talked. 'May the wind be gentle, may the waves be calm and may every element fulfil your wishes'. Something like that."

"Not a happy ending then?"

"Bittersweet in many ways."

Gene frowned slightly and then swallowed another mouthful of whisky. "Not sure I like the sound of that."

"Me neither." Alex felt an unexpected pricking behind her eyes which she quickly blinked away. She still wasn't sure how their own story was going to end but in the meantime she refused to dwell on it. She had to make the most of every single moment she had with Gene. Just in case. She put her glass to one side and started to lever herself upwards.

"Where you going?" He grabbed her hand, rubbing her knuckles with his thumb.

"Well if it wasn't such a cliché I'd say I was going to get changed into something more comfortable."

"Need any help?"

"Maybe later." She sauntered off in the direction of the bedroom but cast a sultry look over her shoulder. "Be back soon."

For a second, Gene debated leaping up and following her into the bedroom although frankly he didn't really know if he had the energy to leap anywhere. No. He'd sit here and finish his drink and let the music and alcohol sooth his soul – besides, it sounded like Alex was going to do the hard work for him and remove a bit of clothing to help things along. He closed his eyes and let his imagination run riot, picturing Alex slowly shedding pencil skirt and blouse…then knickers….and finally bra. He winced and shifted position on the sofa, splaying his legs slightly to accommodate the growing arousal that his avid imagination had already conjured. He was just on the point of giving in and getting up off the sofa when a softly closing door alerted him to Alex's return.

He opened his eyes only to find that the sight that greeted him surpassed even his wildest imagination. Not that she was naked – far from it. He watched intently as she crossed the room towards him, his eyes raking her body from the tips of her naked toes, sweeping up her long shapely legs, past her body – nary a hint of which was on display – until he reached her face, now bare and freshly scrubbed of make-up. Simply beautiful.

"Nice shirt," he managed to growl.

"You like it?" She twirled for his approval in the oversized green shirt, sleeves rolled up to her elbows. "I found it in the back of the wardrobe."

"I know. It's mine."

"I had a feeling it might be." Alex's eyes narrowed as she drew closer, her breath hitching as she saw the look of raw passion in his eyes.

"Looks good on you." He watched mesmerised as Alex wandered around the room, tidying away papers and plumping cushions. Try as he might he just couldn't tear his eyes away from her. "Bit chilly though," he said finally.

"I was hoping you'd keep me warm."

The music on the stereo finally faded as Alex turned to Gene and walked slowly towards him, holding his gaze all the while. She came to a halt and stood in between his legs reaching forward to take the glass from his hand. She drained the remaining whisky in one gulp and put the glass to one side.

"Better now?" Gene growled. He leaned forward and placed a possessive hand on one thigh, trailing his fingers slowly up and underneath the shirt until he reached her hip. He looked up at her and raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Get dressed in a hurry love? Seems to be something missing."

"Well I figured it was hardly worth putting them on, if you were just going to take them off again."

"Good thinking." His fingers splayed out on her skin, appreciatively stroking the smooth skin of her hip and then cheekily cupping the smooth peachy roundness of her arse. "So. Are you coming down here or I am coming up there?" He slowly began to unbutton the shirt from the bottom up, pausing to place a heated kiss on her belly.

Alex sighed, her fingers idly playing with strands of Gene's hair as he continued to kiss her belly. "As long as we're both coming I don't suppose it makes any…."

"Time to stop talking love."

"Quite right." She gently pushed him back onto the sofa and then quickly straddled his hips. "That better?"

"It's a start."

The only sound in the room was the soft ticking of a clock, along with the gentle sighs and muffled laughter and occasional gasps as they began to make love with tenderness that took them both by surprise. Gene slowly and teasingly unbuttoned the shirt she was wearing, rolling it away from her body to leave her gloriously naked in his arms. Her body rocked under his tender touch as he nipped and teased at her breasts, gentling suckling at her nipples until she was groaning in his arms.

"Please…Gene…oh my love." She held his head against her breasts as he worshiped at her body, his hands holding her firmly in place as she threw her head back and moaned. She rocked forward against him as the pleasure grew to an almost unbearable level. "Need you now." Feverishly she began to unbutton his shirt and unbuckle his belt, with Gene providing able assistance in at least partly removing the rest of his clothing. She reached down and greedily stroked the full hard length of him, watching as he moaned with pleasure and flexed his hips to her insistent rhythm.

"Not gonna last long at this rate," he managed to gasp.

"Lovely," Alex cooed in response. She adjusted her position and took control, holding her breath as she sank down onto him and only releasing it when they were joined hip to hip. "Oh god," she gasped.

"Took the words right out of my mouth Bols."

"Hush now." Alex kissed him into silence, her lips teasing his with assurance, her tongue wicked and teasing as the kiss grew more heated and her hips started to move backwards and forwards, taking him deeper and deeper.

All talk and laughter was forgotten as they simply stared into each other's eyes, gasps and occasional moans the only outward expression of their feelings. Alex moved confidently above him as he held onto her hips, flexing his own in return as the passion between them grew inexorably.

"Shit….fuck…." Gene swore colourfully as his body threatened to run out of control, his hips moving like pistons as Alex rode him for all he was worth. Jesus Christ on a bike! "Alex…Alex...fuck…" The power of speech seemed to drain away as he felt his mind go blank and his body shudder with an orgasm of mind-blowing intensity. He threw himself into oblivion, hoping that Alex would follow him there.

Alex had felt Gene's body reach its limit almost before he knew it himself. She ground her hips against his, adjusting position as he bucked hard against her. She gasped as another wave of almost unbearable pleasure washed over her and held onto Gene as she felt him lose control. A final wave of tingling, lightening quick ecstasy rocked her body and she clung tightly to Gene as they both jerked and shuddered in completion.

Afterwards they clung together, both unwilling to speak or even move, both equally loath to break the bond – both physical and mental. It was Alex who finally and reluctantly flexed her legs as cramp began to set in due to her somewhat awkward position. Gene slowly rolled her over onto the sofa, gathering her into his arms and kissing her hair as she cuddled up against his chest. Although it was tempting just to fall asleep right here, Gene knew they'd only pay for it with aching limbs and frayed tempers in the morning. Best to get up and get to their own comfortable bed. Just five more minutes…..

. . . . . .to be continued.